- - - - ♡ - - - -

mujhko duniya mil gayi hai, zindagi badal gayi hai

tum jo mere saath hoo

♪

- - - - ♡ - - - -

Sharanya let out a deep breath ending the call. She massaged her forehead in worry. She had just got off the call with her landlord. He wanted to escalate the rent by five percent from the following month onwards. It was as per the terms in the rent agreement so there was little Sharanya could do to convince him to not escalate the rent.

The agreement was in her name and she was still the one who paid the rent. She was worried. Her brother wasn't taking any of the responsibilities. She decided to call him. He didn't pick up the call as usual. She got an immediate message from him which she assumed was an automatic reply that said— Busy, please call later.

She took a deep breath. There was really no point trying to convince her father to talk to him. She had tried that in the first week of the month and it had failed spectacularly.

"Headache?"

She turned around to find her husband approaching her.

"No, just like that. You're home early again, all okay at work?"

Nikhil sat on the bed, dumping his bag beside him. "Yes, I am trying to be less of a workaholic."

Sharanya turned in the chair to face him. "How many cups of coffee today?"

"Three!" He smiled proudly.

"That's it? Really?"

"I won't lie to you. Really."

Sharanya stared at him, "it's a little unbelievable."

He shrugged. "I might have had chocolate milkshake in the afternoon."

Sharanya couldn't help but wear a wide smile. "That explains the less coffee cups."

"It's milk, it's healthy stuff. You know calcium for the bones and teeth."

Sharanya smiled, "of course!"

"So, how has Maa been this morning?" He asked, drawing out his phone from the pocket. He glanced at the screen and placed it on the side.

"She's been herself. I took her BP thrice since the morning, normal at all times. I took her fasting glucose in the morning that was normal too. I checked her random blood sugar around four, that was also normal."

"Wow, she let you?" He asked surprised. His mother usually made a fuss about such things.

"Not at first, then I told her that you asked me to otherwise you'd take her to the doctor's for check-up. She agreed in the very next minute."

"Nice tactic!" He replied, undoing the top button of his shirt.

Sharanya blinked, picking up her phone. 

"So, what is stressing you?" He asked.

"Uh, it was nothing." She answered, looking up.

"Sure?"

Sharanya nodded. She didn't want to drag Nikhil into matters of her other home. He got off the bed, walking to the wardrobe.

"By the way, I tried the dress and it fit perfectly."

Nikhil's lips formed a smile as he took out his t-shirt and sweatpants.

* * *

Nikhil rubbed his eyes and squinted at his phone. He swiped the screen to turn off the alarm. Sighing deeply, he turned to the other side. Sharanya was sleeping with her back towards him. He sat up letting out a yawn. He rested his head against the headboard listening to the sound of rain from outside. This was indeed a very cold and wet February.

He scooted towards her, his hand patting her arm. "Sharanya, wake up. "

"Hmm," she stirred in sleep.

He leaned a little, "wake up. You wanted to do yoga, didn't you?"

Sharanya turned around, opening her eyes a little bit. "Is it raining?" She asked, hearing the sound that sounded like raindrops against hard surfaces.

"Hmm," He said letting out another yawn.

"Can we sleep in?"

"You can, I am going to go jog."

"Where will you jog? It's raining. Sleep in," she murmured, placing her around his torso.

Nikhil who was already contemplating to sleep in, gave up his resolve to wake up. He pulled her blanket and slid down. She shifted closer to him, resting her arm across his abdomen. Nikhil pulled up the blanket to cover them. "And you say I am a bad influence," He mumbled, turning to his side towards her. He put his arm around her waist, closing his eyes, drifting back into the land of sleep.

About two hours later, Sharanya opened her eyes, after a lot of mental debate. Maybe she could check the time and then snooze for a few minutes. She stared at her husband who was sleeping away without a care for the world with his arm around her and his knee touching hers.

She turned to the other side and reached out for her phone. She blinked as the screen lit up. Then slowly widened her eyes. She sat up in haste and turned to Nikhil. "Nikhil, wake up," she said placing her hand on his arm.

He let out a deep sound, turned a bit and slept straight on his back. She lightly patted his cheek, "Nikhil, wake up it's eight. We both are very late!" She ran her hand over his hair, gently waiting for him to open his eyes.

He opened his eyes slowly. "It's what?"

"Eight," she replied.

"Eight?" He asked sitting up with a jolt.

"Yes, eight."

He muttered some curses and rolled to his side of the bed, to grab his spectacles.

"You mustn't curse first thing in the morning!" She said quickly folding her blanket. She scuttled over to the switchboard outside the bathroom to switch on the water heater and then ran to her cupboard to grab a fresh pair of clothes.

"Why didn't your alarm ring?" Nikhil asked, getting off the bed.

"I don't know." She answered, "what about yours? How did you sleep in?"

"You asked me to sleep!" He said. "All your fault!"

"I am going to be super late. Ugh!"Sharanya exclaimed ignoring his accusation.

"Just brush, wash your face and change quickly."

Sharanya looked back at him with disbelief. "You mean skip bath?"

"Yes, you're late."

"I can't step out without a bath. And you're late too."

"But I can waltz into my office at any time of the day and no one will ask me anything. But you don't have that kind of privilege I assume. So just change and put some perfume."

"Can't do that. I will take a quick bath!" Saying that she dashed into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.

Nikhil shook his head. He needed to use the toilet. He marched out of the room to use the common washroom.

"That was quick," Nikhil spoke looking up at her, when she stepped out within ten minutes.

"Thanks to whoever invented showers, now, go get ready!" She paused and looked at him. "Why are you wearing shoes?"

"I will drop you to office and then come back and take my time to have a bath, eat and then go to office."

"Okay, but... Mohan can drop me."

"He messaged saying he won't be able to come. The water from the rain has clogged his street. "

"Oh,"

"Now, quickly let's get out."

"Good morning, Amma!" Sharanya wished after offering a quick prayer at the Pooja room while Nikhil tailed behind her. "Sorry, we over slept. My alarm was somehow canceled and.."

"Maa, I will drop Sharanya and be back. Mohan couldn't come today because of the downpour. " Nikhil said cutting off Sharanya's mumbling.

"Yeah, but breakfast is almost ready give me two minutes."

"Maa, she's very late. I will buy her something on the way."

"But, -- okay, at least where jackets you both. The weather is so bad."

"I have mine in the bag," Sharanya answered.

"And I won't get out of the car."

"I can drop her, I am ready to leave," Saahil offered.

Before Sharanya could politely decline, Nikhil spoke up, "don't bother, we're ready to go. Sharanya!"

Sharanya quietly waved a quick goodbye and followed her husband out.

"You made a complete fool of yourself by trying to explain why we are late," He said as they entered the elevator. 

"I was just ..."

"You owe an explanation to nobody!"

Sharanya sighed, nodded and followed him out as the elevator doors parted.

"Here, order whatever you want to eat. It's a drive through takeout cloud kitchen. I have eaten from there before. Excellent preparation and quick delivery." He spoke as he fastened the seatbelt.

"Wow," Sharanya uttered, taking his phone in her hands. She scrolled through the menu. "Isn't this a little too pricey? We could've packed breakfast in boxes from home."

"It's the best. They have real good quality. And, I know we could but Maa had made lemon rice for breakfast."

Sharanya turned to him surprised. "How do you know?"

"I saw it, when you were talking to her. I saved you from lemon rice. Your welcome."

Corner of Sharanya's lips lifted up, "you don't like lemon rice at all?"

"It's nice, once in a month or two. Not every now and then. For some reason that and puliyogare rice are Maa's favorite go to dishes."

"What should I order for you?" Sharanya asked after she had put upma into the cart for herself.

"Don't order for me. I am going to stop at Maya's on the way back home and have a nice Masala dosa."

"Followed by filter coffee," Sharanya added for him.

Nikhil glanced at her with an almost smile making to his face. It was endearing to have someone know you well.

"Nikhil, shall I order masala dosa for you from here itself? It has sixteen percent cashback if order value is more than three hundred."

"No. Just order for yourself."

"It's the same thing."

"The taste matters."

Sharanya sighed, giving up. Arguing with Nikhil about food was a difficult task. She wasn't going to get any cash back for the order. "Done," she said.

"Keep the phone in hand, we should reach shortly. You need to flash that QR code on the machine, and they will handover the order to you.

Exactly fourteen minutes later, Sharanya was having her hot breakfast that was made in pure ghee. "This is so good, are you sure, you won't have even a single bite?" She asked again.

"If you insist," Nikhil said, as he brought the car to a halt at the red signal. He was so proud of his recommendation, and happy that Sharanya liked the food from the place he suggested. He opened his mouth turning to her and she quickly guided a spoonful to his mouth.

"Hmm," He hummed chewing. "That's really nice."

"Want some more?"

"No, you have it. According to Google maps we should reach your office in ten minutes."

"Hmm," Sharanya hummed, focusing on her breakfast. She smiled looking out. It was still drizzling. The city was having a mini monsoon instead of spring at the break of namesake winter.

Twelve minutes later, Nikhil pulled the car to a halt just outside her office building. Sharanya stuffed the last bite into her mouth closing the box, putting it back into the brown paper bag.

"Leave it, I will throw it." He said. She nodded, folding it up and putting it down.

"Thank you," she said with a bright smile and leaned to kiss his cheek. Quickly turning away she opened the door and got off the car.

"Bye," she said waving from outside the window.

"Bye,'" He said back. He watched her as she hurriedly turned and made her way towards the building with quick steps, her hand firmly holding the handbag on her shoulder.

Nikhil smiled, and started the engine again. He immediately called his secretary to inform her that he was going to be late so that she could reschedule his morning meetings.

He blinked slowly realizing he had prioritized getting Sharanya to office instead of his work. It was a first for him. And he felt so good about it. His smile broadened. Maybe this is exactly how his dad used to feel when he would drop them to school on days their auto-wala wouldn't turn up. He'd be more worried about them reaching school on time than him reaching his workplace at time. Maybe that was what family was all about.

* * *

Sharanya entered her room to find Nikhil lounging on the bed reading something. Frankly, seeing him not work made her worry more than seeing him work all the time. The previous day, had been rainy throughout and today it was as bright as a summer. The weather seemed to having mood swings, terrible ones. 

Her eyes remained fixated on him, as she fished into the bag to pull out the present she had bought for him. Thankfully, she hadn't forgotten it was Valentine's Day. They had both decided to get home early so that they could leave for their date together.

He was lying on his stomach, his elbows propelled on a pillow. She stealthily stepped inside the room and placed the present wrapped in bright red gift paper with heart printed all over before his eyes.

Nikhil looked at present amused. It had a card stuck to it that read Happy Valentines Day, Nikhil! He slowly turned to her with a smile.

"Your gift," she exclaimed with a radiant smile, sitting on the bed.

"Thank you," He said with a smile.

"Open it!"

He sat up, and took the box in hands. Sharanya watched on as he ripped apart the gift paper she had been charged extra thirty rupees for.

"Cologne!" He uttered impressed. He would be lying if he said he wasn't waiting for his gift from her.

"It's the same scent you had liked in that London store but they had no stock for that sample. It's almost same. Try it." She said with excitement. She had put in a half day at office and gone gift shopping for him. Thankfully, she had a friend like Gargi who was obsessed with perfumes and the likes, she knew exactly where she could find good range of exclusive colognes. The fact that it had ripped her off her a good amount of her monthly salary was a different story.

He opened it and sprayed it on his wrist. He sniffed his wrist and a smile crawled up his face. It's scent was definitely close the one he had liked, just as fresh and woody. His gaze dropped to the brand name written in a stylish font on the fancy tainted glass bottle. He was almost sure it was a French Brand. Damn, must've cost her a fortune. Funny how, he had particularly made sure to not buy an expensive gift for her while she made sure to spend heavily on his gift.

"You like it?" Sharanya asked, hoping her money didn't go for waste because there was no return policy on it. She had tried to convince the salesman to allow her to comeback within the next eight hours to exchange but he remained fixed on their policy of no exchange and return.

"I do, I like it. But... how did you remember the scent?'

"I didn't. I was just going to buy a cologne. When I had a whiff of this one, I knew it was similar to that one. So I bough it." She explained.

"Stroke of luck!" Nikhil uttered, his hand reaching out to caress her cheek.

Sharanya was momentarily distracted by his touch to respond to his words. She hadn't realized he had scooted closer to her.

He leaned closer tilting his head and she parted her lips in anticipation. The kiss was soft, slow and brief. She smiled as thy broke the contact between their lips. "I thought you'd be ready to go..." She spoke up, noticing that his other hand rested on her thigh.

"I just need to change the t-shirt," He said, his thumb gently caressing her cheek.

"Okay, I will get ready quickly. Did you tell Maa we're going out?"

"No, you tell her." 

Sharanya blinked. "Why don't you talk to her while I get ready?" What would she tell her mother-in-law —that she was going out to celebrate valentine's day with her son? It would be awkward. Especially after the comment her mother-in-law had made the same morning on the breakfast table about Valentines day being a borrowed-from-western-culture way to waste money and time.

No, thank you!

Nikhil spooked at her amused. "You're telling her. That's final."

"No, I am not." She said getting up from the bed. "You are doing that, while I change."

"Okay, listen," He said grabbing her wrist, before she moved away.

"We have time, maybe we can," He tugged her towards himself, with a suggestive look.

"No, I need time to get ready."

"No, you can be super fast at that. Like you were literally ready within ten minutes yesterday morning."

Sharanya smiled as her cheeks warmed up as his arm snaked around her waist. She placed her hand on his shoulder and leaned forward. "Tonight, promise," she whispered in his ears.

"Ugh, fine." He agreed, loosening his grip around her.

She kissed his cheek before straightening up. "Go tell, Amma!"

Nikhil sighed. He had to go all the way downstairs. There was really no room for further discussion on that.

He walked out of the room to do that. He was sure his mother already knew they had plans given that both of them were home by four. He took his wrist to his nose, taking a deep sniff. That smelt good.

Nikhil walked into the room minutes later, after informing his mother that he was taking Sharanya out for dinner. Although he only had a coffee date planned. Maybe they could go to some fancy restaurant for dinner after. His mother had cast him an odd look almost smiling and had only nodded. To make things worse, Saahil had just returned from office and was in the kitchen too. He also had very evidently found amusement int he entire thing.  

Way to make a guy nervous! Couldn't married couple go out on a valentine's day date?

He changed into the t-shirt Sharanya had gifted him. He had barely pulled the t-shirt down when Sharanya stepped out dressed in the deep brown dress he had gifted her. Now that he looked at it, the dress wasn't all that great. Nonetheless, it suited Sharanya's personality.

"Did you tell her?" She asked, walking to the dressing table.

"Yes, I did." He said picking up the bottle of cologne from the bed.

"And what did she say?"

"Nothing." He said quickly spraying some.

Sharanya turned to him with curious eyes, as she held the lipstick in hand. He walked over to her, and placed the bottle beside his older cologne bottle.

"Like nothing?" Sharanya asked.

Nikhil stared at her. "Nothing. She just gave a weird smile."

Sharanya's eyes widened a wee bit before her eyelashes fluttered in embarrassment turning to the mirror. She was about to apply the lipstick, when her hand paused and she turned to look at him. The scent was tantalizing. Her eyes rested on his chest, he was wearing the t-shirt she had gifted him!

"What?" Nikhil asked running a hand against the fabric of the t-shirt.

"You look nice."

Nikhil smiled instantly, touching the frame of his spectacles. "I don't feel like wearing lenses. Should I?"

"If you want to," Sharanya said diplomatically instead of jumping to say a yes. She focused on applying the lipstick.

Nikhil gave her one look and then reached to the upper shelf to grab the box he kept his lenses in. If she was putting efforts to look good, then he should too. He felt giddy on the inside. Finally a valentine's day, where he wasn't a brooding single man wondering why he wasn't in a relationship.

Sharanya wore the one inch heel sandals and turned to Nikhil. He had busied himself with something on his phone.

"I am ready!" She announced wearing the sling bag on her shoulder.

"Finally!" He mumbled getting to his feet, walking towards the door.

Sharanya grabbed his arm, stopping him. "How do I look?" She asked nervously. Thankfully the dress was a dark colour so she didn't look that fat. However she didn't quite like how the dress looked on her. But she still wore it for him.

"You look nice."

Sharanya nodded, "it won't be weird to go down like this in front of Amma, will it?"

Nikhil looked at her amused, giving her a once over. "It isn't anything different from the kurtis you wear."

She parted her deep brown coloured lips to say something and then closed her mouth deciding otherwise. She nodded.

"What?"

"Nothing!"

"Sure? Shall we?"

"Hmm," she said, leaving his arm.

He turned around still wearing amusement on his face.

* * *

Sharanya had never seen a Café like the one she was standing in. It was called Universe Of Coffee. As soon as one stepped in, the delicious aroma of coffee met their senses.

 They were welcomed warmly, by the staff who offered them coffee candy. Sharanya was amazed. She could clearly see Nikhil's face light up like he had stepped into his private heaven. There was a light music playing and the entry was only given to people with prior reservations.

They were led into a tunnel like dark passage whose walls were lit up with digital screens.

Sharanya stepped closer to Nikhil, holding onto his arm, as more people stepped into the passageway.

"They're going to switch off the lights and take you through the entire process of how coffee is manufactured. From sowing of the seeds to picking the right berries to how they are processed. And the unique part is, the images will be played on the screens and simultaneously you'll hear sounds that take you that place, you'll smell the exact scent and they regulate the temperature also that way. "

Sharanya was more than impressed. If she thought this was just another expensive Café that put coffee into everything in their menu she was wrong. The lights slowly dimmed. A soothing voice was heard from the speakers.

Sharanya felt movement behind her and stepped closer to Nikhil. He instinctively wrapped his arm around her back. Suddenly the temperature of the room changed. She could smell the fragrance of soil, she could hear the rustling of the leaves, as video of bright green leaves filled the air. As the visuals rapidly showed shifting seasons the temperature and scent of the room changed. Sharanya was spellbound.

As the narrator took them through the various phases of processing, and visuals from factories filled the digital screen, the background music transformed inti the noises machines made and the air grew hot, with the scent of coffee intensifying.

"How was it?" An excited Nikhil asked as they moved out of the passageway that opened into a tastefully decorated seating area. Sharanya was too enchanted by the place to pay heed to his question. There were few private stations along the side wall, round tables in the centre of the room with cute silver hangings of coffee beans.

"This place is beautiful!"

Nikhil smiled watching her amazement, as she turned to look at the wide semicircle counter on the other end of the room. He had always wanted to bring along someone special to this place. And now that he had he couldn't be more happier.

He waited for her wonder to wash off. "Shall we place our order?" He said pointing to the counter.

Sharanya nodded, excited to see the menu. She was almost sure there would be more surprise there. And it was.

"One iced Irish coffee," Nikhil said. Sharanya looked at him surprised. How had he ordered so damn fast? There was so much to chose from. She hadn't even got past three names on the menu.

"It's my favorite," He said reading her surprise.

Sharanya looked on with awe as the man behind the counter started explaining how the drink was made. He even offered them a chance to strain the decoction while telling about the beans which were Arabica, which Sharanya was happy to participate in.

Sharanya's jaw dropped as the man mixed whiskey with the espresso. The man behind the counter was pretty well skilled. He left that aside to stand and asked for the next order.

"Give us a few minutes," Nikhil said, then nodded and moved away. He turned to Sharanya, who was staring at the menu.

"How would this be — affogato martini?"

Nikhil wore his amused smile, "if you want to go for vodka with coffee, should be good then,"

Sharanya widened her eyes.

Nikhil leaned closer, and spoke, "you're looking at the wrong column, all of these are alcohol based drinks." He pointed to the small text that said alcohol based drinks.

"Okay, " she said going through the other things.

Nikhil kept his gaze on her. While reading the menu her hand pushed her hair behind from her shoulder. "Rolled Coffee Chocolate Waffle?"

"Excellent choice. No coffee?"

"I will pass."

"Gosh, you can't come here and not have a coffee. Take the Latte with double shot of espresso. You'll like that. It's not too sweet and strong. Will go pretty well with the waffles."

Sharanya watched him with adoring eyes. "Okay," she whispered and he turned to wave at the man. The man returned quickly and took the remaining order. They walked over to a table. Within a minute their order was served.

"This place is like my favorite Cafe." Nikhil spoke as he took a sip of the Irish coffee.

Sharanya eyed the waffles that had came tastefully poured with what she assumed to be a mix of chocolate and coffee decoction. The waiter even left a fancy pot shaped cup with the syrup. She picked up the cup to take inhale the aroma.

Damn, this must be food from heaven.

She took a piece of the rolled waffle and forwarded it towards him. With the hint of against blush on his face Nikhil leaned forward taking a bite. Smilingly Sharanya took a small bite from the same piece.

"Damn, this is hot stuff!"

Sharanya's smile broadened at his comment taking a sip from her cup. She was literally drinking the best coffee she had ever had in her life. She would never like the regular coffee the same way again.

They both indulged in the delicacies.

"So, today we only have dessert for dinner?" She asked.

"I wish we could. But this, this is only starters."

"Okay, and?"

"And we're going to Rose Sky Rooftop for dinner." He answered. While she was getting ready he had reserved a table for two at the restaurant, the same one where they had first officially met.

"Rose Sky Rooftop?" Sharanya asked surprised.

"Yeah, they have some sort of Valentines Day Special Dinner."

Sharanya smiled and Nikhil returned the smile.

An hour after devouring the best waffles with lip-smacking sauce and savouring every drop of their caffeinated beverages they stepped into the beautifully decorated rooftop restaurant. Golden light lamps and fairy lights lit up the entire place. Candle light dinner was arrangement was done at each table. A stage had been set up at the far end. On the right corner of the elaborate stage was a live band playing.

Sharanya could swear she had stepped into one of those feel good Hollywood romance movie sets. As she looked around at people she felt she was far too ordinarily dressed. Most women wore bright red dresses, she spotted two in red sarees and a few in black dresses.

They were shown the table at the far end in the corner. Sharanya was glad. The entire restaurant's layout had been changed. It was nothing like the day months back when she had met Nikhil for the first time.

"I can't even recognize this place!" Nikhil commented running a gaze around.

"Exactly what I was thinking!" Sharanya remarked.

"So, is it spinach tikkis today too?" Nikhil asked and Sharanya turned to him surprised.

"You remembered what I had ordered!"

He shrugged as though it was no big deal.

"And a can of cake and potato fries for you?"

Nikhil grinned, "you remember too."

"Frankly, it's because I judged you for it."

"Judged me how?" He asked curiously

"Who orders potato fries and coke at a place like this? So was totally judging you as someone who tried to play safe and you know be in the comfort zone. Not the kind who'd order something different on a menu."

"And where does that opinion stand?"

"Wronged. I mean, you're far from someone who doesn't explore. But I think you like to stay in the comfort zone at most times."

"I agree. Risks should be calculated. You just don't step out of your comfort zone to prove it to yourself or someone. One must know where to step out of the zone and where to stay in it."

"Right. You didn't have opinions about me?"

Nikhil smiled. "Honestly, I was busy thinking where I had seen you before."

Sharanya chuckled, glancing at the menu.

"In or out of comfort zone today?" Nikhil asked raising his eyebrows.

"How about sizzlers?" She suggested.

"Just what I had on mind."

"Can we share one? I doubt if I can finish one all by myself."

"There are two sizes in sizzler. Let's order a large? It's says serves two." He spoke looking at the menu.

"Done."

"Which one?"

"Cottage Cheese?"

"Sounds perfect."

Sharanya smiled watching him as he called a waiter and placed their orders. Her mind drifted back to that night, when Gargi and Arun introduced them.

She wondered how life would have turned out if she had bailed out in the last minute. If Gargi had never told her about him. She'd probably be alone at home watching a romantic movie and calling it out for being far from real as usual.

• • • • •

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter, I enjoyed writing it!

-Anami!♡

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